Dog Cafe Rio Shinjuku — Cuddle Fluffy Puppies in the Heart of Tokyo
Your cutest, fluffiest break from the Tokyo rush — just 5 minutes from Shinjuku Station.
A pocket of pure happiness in Kabukicho
Tokyo moves fast. Neon, crowds, endless walking, trains that never stop. Sooner or later, every traveler needs a moment to breathe — and there’s no sweeter way to recharge than with a lapful of soft, wagging, impossibly cute puppies.
That’s exactly what you’ll find at Dog Cafe Rio Shinjuku, tucked just one floor below the buzzing streets of Kabukicho. Step inside and the city melts away. Here it’s just you, a room full of happy dogs, and all the cuddles you can handle.
It’s no surprise that Rio is ranked #1 of all “Fun & Games” experiences in Kabukicho on Tripadvisor, with hundreds of glowing reviews from travelers around the world.
What makes Dog Cafe Rio special?
Rio isn’t a place where you simply look at dogs — it’s where you play with them. You can gently pet them, hand-feed them treats, snap as many photos as you like, and let the friendliest pups climb right into your lap.
The cafe is home to a wonderful variety of breeds, each with its own personality and its own little fan club:
- Samoyeds — the showstoppers. Snow-white, endlessly fluffy, and famous for their “smiling” faces.
- Shih Tzus, Miniature Dachshunds, Toy Poodles and many more small, sociable dogs.
The dogs at Rio are young (most are between 5 months and 2 years old), gentle, and raised with care. They genuinely love meeting people — which is exactly why every visit feels like making a new furry friend.
Why travelers love it
📍 Unbeatable location. Right in the heart of Shinjuku, about a 5-minute walk from the station and surrounded by Tokyo’s best dining and entertainment. Perfect to drop into between sightseeing.
🌏 Easy for international visitors. Staff are warm and welcoming, English is spoken, and the check-in and payment process is simple and clear. First time at a Japanese animal cafe? Don’t worry — the team will guide you.
✨ Spotlessly clean & safe. Visitors consistently praise how clean, calm, and well-organized the space is, and how clearly the dogs are loved and cared for.
☕ Stay as long as you like. Relax with the dogs by the 10-minute, and add an unlimited-drink option to settle in and unwind.
💳 Cashless & convenient. Major credit cards, IC transit cards, and popular international payment methods including Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay are all accepted.
Good to know before you visit
| Address | B1F, 1-15-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0021 |
| Access | About 5 min walk from Shinjuku Station (East Exit) |
| Hours | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (open daily) |
| Pricing | From ¥270 / 10 min (weekdays); ¥370 / 10 min (weekends & holidays) · Drinks from ¥385 |
| Phone | 03-6233-9270 |
Prices and hours are current as of the latest update but may change — please check the reservation page for the latest details.
A few gentle house rules:
- Sit low and let the dogs come to you — they’ll choose their favorite lap!
- Photos are welcome, but please no flash (it can startle the dogs).
- Please follow the staff’s guidance on feeding and handling, so every dog stays happy and safe.
Ready to meet your new best friends? 🐾
Whether you’re a lifelong dog lover, missing your own pup back home, or just need a soft and joyful break from the city, Dog Cafe Rio Shinjuku is waiting with open paws.
Spaces fill up fast, especially on weekends and holidays — so book ahead to make sure your favorite pups are ready to greet you.
👉 Plan your visit & book now
See you soon at Dog Cafe Rio Shinjuku — where Tokyo’s cutest welcome is just a few wagging tails away.